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The 5 Stages of Grief

Losing a parent, spouse, or other loved one is really hard. What most of us don't know, until it happens, is that it hurts for a long time. According to experts, though, there are recognizable stages -- or signposts -- that you'll pass through as you move from bereavement to healing. In her landmark 1969 book
On Death and Dying
, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross popularized the idea of five stages of grief. Since then some experts have continued to work with Kubler-Ross's model, while others have simplified the theory to include just three or four stages, or expanded the list to as many as ten.

But most experts agree that everyone processes a loss by experiencing a series of different feelings, though we may go through these stages in a different order or skip one altogether. Here's a guide to the stages of grief and how to navigate them to find comfort and healing.

Stage one in the stages of grief: Shock and denial

For the first hours, days, even weeks after someone you're close to dies, you may feel like you simply can't absorb what's happened. It might feel like there's a glass wall between you and your feelings. You know you're sad, but you can't actually grieve. The numbness protects you from dissolving, but it may feel a bit frightening, too -- why can't I cry?

Losing someone you've lived with may also bring intense feelings of loneliness and emptiness as you struggle with the hole left in your daily life. If you've spent the past months or years as a
caregiver
, it's natural to experience a sense of being cut adrift -- after giving so much of your time and devotion to your loved one, suddenly you are no longer needed.

What you might be feeling:

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Numb and distracted
-- "This can't be happening to me.

Alienated from other people
,
as though everyone else exists in the sunny world of everyday events, while you're in a dark tunnel.

Bereft of purpose.
Many caregivers say they feel painfully lost, as if the connection that kept them going every day is no longer there.

What you might notice:

Memory gaps
, such as being unable to recall what you did yesterday, or not knowing how long it's been since you last ate.

Feeling out of touch with your real feelings,
reacting in ways that don't feel like "you," such as snapping at a sibling or feeling nothing when a friend tells you some happy or sad news.

What to do:

Give yourself permission to feel however you feel.
You've just been through an emotional earthquake, and the aftershocks are going to continue for a long time. It's okay if you can't cry, and it's also okay if you cry all the time or at inappropriate moments.

Break through the denial.
Recognize that numbness has a purpose: It keeps you from falling apart. But if feelings of distance and unreality are bothering you, use family members and close friends as touchstones. Prevent yourself from "stuffing" your feelings by checking in with others: How are you holding up? Create opportunities to talk over the experiences you've been through and reminisce about your loved one.

Stage two in the stages of grief: Pain and guilt

When the protective curtain of denial slowly slips aside, intense feelings start to surface. This may be the hardest time, when things seem darkest. Self-blame is common. You may find yourself replaying conversations and decisions in your mind and asking yourself if you should have done things differently. If you've lost someone who's been suffering or in pain, you may experience a complex mix of relief coupled with guilt. It's common to hear a judging voice in your head, berating you fo
r feeling relieved -- but actually relief is a perfectly normal reaction.

What you might be feeling:

Extreme mood swings,
feeling okay one moment and overwhelmed with sadness the next.

Physical and/or emotional exhaustion.
You might feel like you can't get out of bed in the morning, or even like you can't go on any longer.

Guilt
-- if you've lost someone who died relatively young, you may feel guilty that you yourself have your health. If you've been a primary caregiver, you may feel relieved that the intense period of caregiving is over and you can return to your "normal" life, yet you feel terribly guilty for having such thoughts.

What you might notice:

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Tears
that come when you least expect them.

Negative thoughts
about yourself.

Obsessive thought patterns,
such as going over in your mind things you did and didn't do or say.

Find ways to turn off the "tapes" replaying themselves in your mind.
If there are moments or images that are particularly traumatic to remember (the decision to turn off life support, for example, or an image of your loved one in pain), talk through the memories with family members and friends who went through them with you.

Saying, "I keep thinking of how much pain she was in and wondering if there was more we could have done" allows
you to get the dark feelings and fears out in the open so that you and those who were also present can talk through what happened.

You may be surprised to find that others remember things differently. Getting everyone's feelings out in the open allows you to reassure each other that you all did the best you could in a difficult situation.

Ask for help.
This is the time to find a support group, therapist, or close friend or family member who's been through something similar, who can help you work through these very difficult feelings.

Force yourself to reach out.
It's easy to hide away or isolate yourself when you feel that you're "not at your best," but this is just the time to reach out. Put a few close friends or family members on alert by saying, "I'm having a pretty tough time right now. Can I call you when I'm really feeling down?" Setting this up ahead of time gives you permission to pick up the phone.

Let yourself off the hook.
If you're experiencing guilt for surviving, or relief that their suffering or your
caregiving
role is over, remind yourself that those feelings are common and natural and nothing to feel bad about. The truth of the situation is that the person you were caring for is out of pain and some of the burdens that have overwhelmed you have been lifted, and it's natural to react with relief.

Stage three in the stages of grief: Anger, frustration, and bitterness

For many people, this stage alternates in spurts with pain and guilt. You may find yourself becoming very reactive. You're going along just fine until something -- a TV episode, a story told by a friend, an ad in a magazine -- sets off an explosion of angry, even hostile feelings. Sometimes anger is a way to shield ourselves from feeling intense pain; other times it's the simple contrast between other peoples' concerns and the sheer magnitude of what we're going through that triggers an attack of bitterness or frustration.

What you might be feeling:

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Sudden attacks of self-pity and frustration
or bursts of outrage and a sense of injustice that may feel childlike: "Why me?" or "This isn't fair!" As one person put it, "I just keep thinking that this isn't what we signed up for."

Bitterness or resentment.
If you've lost someone who died relatively young, you may feel bitter about having lost her "before her time." Many people describe feelings they're not proud of, such as, "Why couldn't it have been him instead?" One person who lost her father early to
cancer
reported feeling ashamed of her lack of compassion when other friends described their difficulties with fathers in poor health. She heard a voice in her head saying, "I'll trade you any day."

What you might notice
:

A desire to avoid certain social situations,
particularly those where others are celebra
tory or self-congratulatory.

Irritation
when others complain about things that seem petty and unimportant compared with what you're going through.

A tendency to react with mistrust and sarcasm.

Anger and bitterness over others' sincere expressions of sympathy.
Someone saying "I understand," or "Is there something I can do?" might make you want to scream, for instance.

What to do:

Avoid those who bring you down.
If you notice that certain people or situations bring on bouts of anger and ill humor, it's perfectly okay to avoid them -- you're protecting both of you. For instance, if a certain friend tends to initiate a "pity party," put that friendship on hold for awhile.

Tell people what's happened.
It can be hard to bring up a loss, but it's more uncomfortable still if you keep silent and those around you remain oblivious. When there's an appropriate opening, explain that you've recently experienced a loss. People will be more supportive than you think, and some will really "get it," resulting in deeper shared connection. This will also stop most of those who are just having a bad day from telling you about it.

Have compassion for yourself.
When feelings of anger and bitterness are separating you from others, instead of berating yourself for your lack of compassion, turn that compassion on yourself. You've just lost someone terribly important to you, and it's natural for your mind to compare yourself with others and find their situations less traumatic. Talk to yourself with sympathy and forgiveness and remind yourself that you won't always feel this way.

Learn About Acceptance as a Stage of Grief

No matter how deep your grief, slowly but surely you'll be pulled back into the world -- perhaps even against your will. Life has a way of throwing moments our way that wake us to the possibilities still in front of us.

But at first, i
t's almost certainly going to feel like one step forward, two steps back. That's okay. Bit by bit your mind will accept what's happened, and you'll discover new reserves of strength and resilience.

What you might be feeling:

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A sense of "waking up"
to the world around you.

Moments of surprising joy and satisfaction
, followed by guilt: "How can I feel happy?"

New reserves of strength and determination:
"I can get through this."

If you've lost your second parent, you may feel a sense of moving forward
into a new phase of your life. Now you're the "older generation" in your family, which can feel scary and sad. But over time it may also feel freeing. Even if most of the time you're still very low, you'll start to see that there is a way past the
grief
.

What you might notice
:

Things can seem funny again.
Whereas a few months ago you avoided silly movies and didn't find jokes funny, now every once in a while something makes you laugh or smile.

A return to awareness:
You notice the smell of roasting coffee or a friend's new scarf.

The rediscovery of old satisfactions:
You might realize you want to resume knitting, start a new book, or rejoin a volunteer effort that used to be important to you.

At least for short periods, you feel like yourself again.

What to do:

Seek out experiences that feel meaningful.
If seeing your grandchildren is the only thing that gets you out of bed in the morning, make as many dates as possible to spend time with them. If watching birds at the bird feeder lifts your spirits in midwinter, keep the feeder filled and perhaps invest in a bird guide and try to identify your winter visitors.

Fight "survivor's guilt."
Don't feel bad about being happy. Life goes on, and we're meant to go on with it. If the moments are few and far between, notice them and seek out similar moments. Ask yourself what your loved one would have wished for you -- to see you in perpetual mourning or happy to see you rediscovering joy in life?

Give back to others.
Many people, when grieving a loss, find solace in helping others. It can take you out of yourself and put things in perspective to help others in need. Volunteer in your community or at your place of worship, or offer to help a friend or neighbor who is going through a hard time.

Remember all the people who helped you through your loved one's last illness? There are others out there for whom you can perform the same valuable service, with a new depth of compassion and understanding.

Books to Read About Grieving

Calvin Trillin,
About Alice
(Random House, 2006). Trillin mourns the death of his wife, Alice.

Lee Montgomery,
The Things Between Us
(Free Press, 2007). Memoirist Lee Montgomery tackles her father's death from cancer and her mother's alcoholism, highlighting the complexity and importance of family relationships.

My mom died a week ago form lung cancer. I feel like there is a empty hole in me. I miss her so much.

10 days ago,
Crazy sad
said...

My dad went away a few months ago. My sister and I by his side. He said he was ready, he wanted my mom. I said I understood, but I lied.
My dad went away a few months ago. I don't think I'll see him again. I don't know where he is. I can't find him. He was my best friend.
This grief comes in so hard, so fast. It's a pain I just can't get past. There's a gaping hole where my heart used to be. Dear God just give my dad back.
My dad went away a few months ago I don't know how to live, who to be. My dad went away a few months ago. With him went the best part of me.
Some days this pain is so intense, my sobs come ragged and loud. Some days I just sit on his beach, and look for his face in the clouds.

13 days ago,
poynter101
said...

I lost my daughter to susucide in 1995, 2 years later my husband left me because my grief was to much for him to handle. We had battled his cancer for 10 years, His cancer came back and I was able to have him at home while he died. All the years later some days my daughter's death is like it was yesterday, she lived 4 hours away, I feel if I had driven to her home she might still be alive. I can't believe the pain I still feel of loosing her, I try to accept that you can teach a child the ways of life, but you can not be certain they will choose the right path. Some days my plan is good some days that works , some days nothing works. I went to consuling for at least 2 years, I gave up as it seemed a lost cause, The loss of a child is so hard to bare..

25 days ago,
Lindaslove
said...

I lost my mom 2 months ago and I am having the hardest time living life like I once did. When she found out she had cancer it was 6 months later she passed on. Part of me has died and I have so much anger that she was taken away from everyone. My dads taking this very hard and I guess when you spend 50 yrs of your life with one person it's harder., all I know is my

about 1 month ago,
Air1019
said...

A fellow commenter, a lot, actually almost all of what you said I am relating too. From the trying to deal with my dads estate, to being his caregiver and doing everything I could, to always being in a heightened state, I can relate. I lost my dad 10-12-16. I am just starting to realize it's real. My dad was 63, I am 32. I am so sorry you have lost both your parents. Im here if you ever need to talk!

about 1 month ago,
Alexi
said...

Sugarsnaps: I lost both parents six months apart. It was very, very hard. My only consolation is that they no longer suffer. I think of them everyday, sometimes happy memories, sometimes not. I still grieve and on occasions cry. It's been seven years! Don't be afraid to grieve and cry. It sounds like you are terribly depressed now, Please speak with your doctor; depression is a serious disease (I know).God has plans for you before he calls you home. Help others, it will help you. Prayers and blessings to you.

about 1 month ago,
sugarsnaps
said...

My father passed away five weeks ago and I cannot accept that I will never see him again. I was his full time carer. I have cried day and night since he passed and I am exhausted from it. I pray to God to join him.

about 1 month ago,
a fellow commenter
said...

I lost my mother to Alzheimers on March 19, 2016, so it's been about 9 months. I helped to take care of her at home for four years. Most days I think I am coping well and then some days I am overwhelmed with sadness. I am still sorting out things with her estate and it's very overwhelming. I am 42 and both of my parents are now gone and I feel so lost without them. I now live in my mothers house, use the bathroom she died in, and at times can't cope with the memories. Other times I feel guilty that I haven't thought about her. I just miss her so much and still lament how could this have happened to her, still question why did she get Alzheimers? How could God let this happen to her? She was such a dutiful, loving and religious person. I think I am still traumatized by what the disease did to her and what it did to me in caring for her. I damn near killed myself trying to keep her home and I am proud that I was able to do that. But it was at a tremendous cost to me, my sanity, my marriage and I am still dealing with the aftermath of that. At the end we had 3 caregivers including myself round the clock. I got so used to being in such a heightened state of emotional distress that it feels abnormal to not have it. I used to pray for her to die because of what Alzheimers did to her. And now that she is gone, I think I would give a lot to have her here again, just to feel the warmth of her skin, to see her spirit even in her vacant eyes. How does one every get over losing their beloved mother? Your umbilical cord to the universe. I don't know. I just don't know.

about 1 month ago,
silver260
said...

Well, I lost my grandfather a year ago and I'm already going through those symptoms and I hadn't seen him in eight years.

about 1 month ago,
mothers loss
said...

My son passed away on September 21, 2016 after a two year battle with cancer, I was his primary care giver and took him to every doctor appointment, every treatment, even left home for 4 months and rented an apt 500 miles from home for specialized treatment. His death has devastated me, I thought it would get easier with time but it seems to have gotten worse, some days I do not want to do anything and certainly not be around anyone. I do not want my other sons out of my sight however they all have families of their own. I just miss him so so terrible and do not know what to do.

about 1 month ago,
Missing my dad..
said...

I am 23. I lost my father 1 week ago. He was 83 and had been battling pancreatic cancer for 10 months. He had been in palliative care for 13 days before he died. But I'm still in disbelief that he is really gone, I feel like he is still here. I have 4 older siblings.. 3 are sisters. All that my father walked down the aisle. I am so broken thinking about the day that I will get married and he won't be here. I kept this to myself because I felt selfish.. A few days after he died.. I told my Mum how upset I was about this and she walked away and returned with a card he had organised for my wedding day. She said he could never write on it because everytime he looked at it he weeped. I can see on the envelope where he has taken it in and out so many times. Even though I knew my Dad was going to die, it still feels so surreal. I miss him so much already :(

about 1 month ago,
yiayia5
said...

I lost my dad ten months ago we lived 3000 miles away but I went to see him a few times a year. One morning I woke up looked at my phone and facebook. One guy wrothe sorry to hear about your dad may he rest in peace. I got up called my mom and said what is going on she said your dad passed away this morning . I just started screaming I was out on a plane in a couple hours . I took it hard . Here it is ten months latter , I gained weight, and have not worn eye make up for ten months because i never know when I am going to cry. Now I feel angry with people and self pity Hate this feeling

about 1 month ago,
Renzo200
said...

My mom passed away 5 weeks ago. She was 83, I'm 60. We lived together for 55 out of my 60b years. We were best friends, I used to kid her about the doctor never cutting the umbilical cord. Since then I've been basically bed bound with non stop silent, sometimes gutteral sobbing for most of the day. No sleep, down 40 pounds, vomiting, it was all there. Then today, I woke up and although I'm sad with only crying a few times today. This sudden change is scaring me. It's as if the thought process was turned off. Normal? I know this can't be it!

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